China Posts Surprise Export Jump Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

China's trade data released on Saturday showed exports climbing 14.1% compared to a year earlier, outpacing analyst forecasts, while imports increased 25.3%. This performance comes just days before the Trump-Xi meeting, where trade restrictions and US curbs on Chinese technology are expected to be discussed.

The stronger trade figures are a positive sign for China's economy, which has been underpinned by its export sector, particularly shipments to Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

According to economists, the Trump-Xi meeting may yield incremental measures to ease trade tensions, although sweeping changes on export controls are not anticipated.

The immediate outlook is that the talks between Trump and Xi will be closely watched for any signs of progress on trade issues, with the next steps likely to depend on the outcome of the meeting. The global market will be monitoring the situation closely, especially given the ongoing Iran war and its impact on oil and fuel prices.